Prunus hortulana
Origin: Boone County, Missouri
Improvement status: Wild
Seeds per packet: ~8
BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED
Life cycle: Perennial
Also called Hortulan Plum, this delicious wild plum species is native to east-central North America from West Virginia to Nebraska and Texas, with possibly introduced populations in Maryland and Massachusetts. Trees can grow to 20 feet tall, but are more likely to be between 7 and 15 feet tall. The often-excellent fruit — which range in color from yellow to red to purple — are good for pies, jams, wine, or fresh eating. There are several named cultivars of this species, and they can also be hybridized with other plums.
Like most of our native plum species, wild goose plums are sadly declining in the wild (we couldn't even find a reliable photograph of the species to share with you all), so you might just need to plant some to enjoy this tasty native species!
Our seed comes from Boone County, Missouri, care of the good folks at Sheffield's Seeds in Locke, NY.
GROWING TIPS: Cold/moist stratify seeds for 90-120 days. Protect seeds and seedlings from rodent predation. Plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil for best results.
NOTE: The images attached are all in the public domain.
